THE TWO POPES – Review

(l-r) Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict and Jonathan Pryce as the future Pope Francis, in Fernando Meirelles’ drama/comedy THE TWO POPES. Photo courtesy of Netflix.

Jonathan Pryce as the future Pope Francis I and Anthony Hopkins as Pope Benedict XVI are pure delight in the amusing, engaging drama/comedy TWO POPES. Director Fernando Meirelles (CITY OF GOD) and screenwriter Anthony McCarten (DARKEST HOUR) craft delightful odd couple drama/comedy about a meeting Pope Benedict and his successor Pope Francis. Rather than a dry discussion of church policy, Meirelles gives us a charming, kind of buddy comedy, in which these two very different men meet and explore their personal differences and their views on life, to ultimately find common ground.

The story takes place not long before before Pope Benedict’s announcement that he would step down as pope. There hadn’t been two living popes for hundreds of years, and never a case of a pope just choosing to retire, which made Pope Benedict’s decision a pivotal historic moment. Popes are supposed to serve for life, as Pope Benedict’s predecessor Pope John Paul II had, done despite declining health. As Benedict noted his own mental decline, he may have wanted to spare the church a repeat of that. His likely successor was Argentine Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, the man who he had narrowly beat out when he was elected to the papacy.

The meeting is fictional but allows these two powerhouse actors to show off their skill as they verbally spar, maneuver and one-up each other in an intriguing, often amusing meeting of minds and contrasting personalities. We are treated to a study in contrasts played out by a pair of brilliant actors. The men could not be more different. German-born Benedict is conservative, loves the luxurious trappings and ceremony of the papacy, has very traditional tastes, and is disconnected from the modern world. The future Pope Francis is Argentinian, loves tango and soccer, is a done-to-earth man who is uncomfortable with luxury. His views on the direction of the Catholic Church are more liberal, particularly compared to Benedict’s.

Most of the film focuses on this meeting, but it also flashes back to the meeting of the cardinals that brought Benedict, the former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, to the papacy. It also gives a little biography of the Argentine cardinal but not the German-born Pope Benedict, which makes the future Pope Francis more the major character

Jonathan Pryce’s arrives at the Vatican full of confidence that he will be able to get his retirement documentary signed and make a quick exit. Instead, Pope Benedict is unavailable, due to pressing business, and he is told they will meet instead at the Pope’s idyllic summer palace. Clearly the Argentine is imitated, he has no choice.

Moving the action to the summer palace, with its beautiful gardens and airy palace, gives the film a visually appealing setting for this battle of wills. The two actors are top of their game, as the men engage in a kind of cat-and -mouse that takes the confident cardinal down a notch and puts the quiet, other-worldly pope in charge. Once the men finally talk, there is a connection, a bond, that forms as they explore both their differences and common humanity and faith. The back-and-forth provides an entertaining, often amusing, exchange that is a complete delight. In a wonderful scene late in the film features the two men, the current pope and the future one, watching a soccer game, cheering on their respective teams.

They offer very different broad visions for the future of the Catholic Church without getting into specific topics like married priests or changing the church’s view on divorce. There is brief mention of the child abuse scandal but like other issues, it is not discussed in depth. Mostly, it is the contrast of personalities that is the focus and whether the church should adapt to the modern world or be a bastion of unchanging values.

The beautiful setting adds to the enjoyment of the film. One of the highlights of the film is a later scene in the Sistine Chapel. Because they were not allowed to film in the actual Sistine Chapel, Meirelles built a perfect replica, but larger to better accommodate filming. The effect is stunning, and warming as it is the setting for a pivot moment between the two characters.

More a study in character with a historic and faith background, THE TWO POPES has appeal for any audience, and as a vehicle to showcase two outstanding actors at the height of their powers, it is a delight and one of the year’s best.

TWO POPES opens Friday, Dec. July 13, at Landmark’s Tivoli Theater.

RATING: 4 out of 4 stars

JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL – Review

So what’s a favorite gift that’s usually under the Christmas tree, usually straight from the North Pole? Aside from the dolls (and action figures), craft sets, and sports equipment. a staple would be a game, more specifically a board game. That was the thinking of the celebrated author of children’s’ books, Chris Van Allsburg, when he came up with the beloved “kid lit’ classic that was made into an even more beloved 1995 fantasy adventure flick, JUMANJI. Twenty-two years later “reboot fever'”struck Sony/Columbia Studios (along with most of Hollywood), so they decided to do an upgrade. First, they tossed out the dice, spinners, and all the board game fixtures and opted to go high tech (somewhat) and make it a video game. Mind you, it was somewhat “old school” with a cartridge, console, and joysticks, rather than the computer and internet systems. Oh, and instead of things escaping from the game, the players would be “sucked in” and become avatars (played by a quartet of adult stars). This “re-imagining” was a box office smash two years ago, so here comes the third (if you count 2005’s ZATHURA: A SPACE ADVENTURE) spin-off/reboot/sequel, JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL.

As Christmas break approaches, the four young heroes of the last film, then high schoolers, now college freshmen, are looking forward to reuniting in their New Hampshire hometown. Well, all but Spencer (Alex Wolff), who’s just not adjusting to life at his NYC school. Hey, he’s even taking a “break” from his new, now long-distance GF, Martha (Morgan Turner). When he does make it to the family house, he finds out that he’ll have to share a room with his cranky Grandpa’ Eddie (Danny DeVito), who’s nursing a hip injury. That first morning, while Spence’s mom is at work, they get a surprise visit from Eddie’s former business partner Milo (Danny Glover). Things are tense between the two, so Spence, instead of joining his old pals at the town diner for Brunch, retreats to the basement and digs out the, now busted, Jumanji video game. Sometime later, Martha along with Bethany (Madison Iseman) and “Fridge” (Ser’Darius Blain). drop by to see why Spence didn’t show. They get their answer when they head to the basement to find the game now repaired and sending out sparks. It activates and pulls in Martha and Fridgein, via a glowing green light. Boom, they’re back in the jungle with the same avatars. But some things have changed. Martha is still Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan), but Fridge is now Prof. Oberon (Jack Black). Both are stunned to find that Milo is “Mouse” Finbar (Kevin Hart) and Eddie is Smulder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson) Seems the guys upstairs get zapped, too. Where’s Spence and Bethany? Nigel (Rhys Darby) soon shows up to explain their mission: something about retrieving a mystical magic jewel stolen by Jorgen the Brutal (Rory McCann) and his legion of nasties. Can they succeed, this time facing sand and ice, before using up their game lives (only three), and finally return to the real world? Again? Otherwise, it’s game over…for reals!

The returning cast slips into their roles with ease, though they get to put on new spin via their “real world” players. Most entertaining may be Hart (never thought I’d say that) who expertly mimics the slow, measured line delivery of Glover, quite a change from his usual manic, motor-mouthed characters. Less successful, but still committed, is Johnson doing a crotchety ole’ East “Coastaaar” as DeVito, while still looking fierce in his Doc Savage cosplay (whatever happened to the movie project). Black, as the Fridge-filled Prof is still a comic whirlwind as he riffs on RDJ in TROPIC THUNDER. And free from the blue make-up of her Marvel role, Gillan makes a terrific action heroine, as she exchanges those short shorts for a snowsuit (and this time she does “dance fighting” and twirls a mean set of nun-chucks). Also returning is Nick Jonas as “Seaplane”, who appears to be auditioning for an Indiana Jones prequel (or maybe a slightly older Jonny Quest). Adding to the avatar mix is Awkwafina playing master thief Ming, though she’s not given much to work with in the script. It’s a shame that this gifted comic actress (a true scene-stealer) is saddled with bits and one-liners that fall flat. On the other hand, we’re treated to the still sharp comic skills of Mr. DeVito, who continues to get laughs with just a glare or his slow shuffle. And his pairing with the affable but meandering (get to the point already) Glover as Milo is pure comedy team gold. Let’s get them their own “buddy comedy” because neither is “too old for this…er…stuff”.

Jake Kasdan also returns as the director and co-writer, though he ‘s often a traffic cop/tour guide getting us and the principals from one familiar set-piece and sequence to the next. Sure they’ve changed locales, quickly going from the previous jungle settings to the deserts of 1980’s action epics, to the snowy mountains right out WHERE EAGLES DARE or where the Avengers fought Baron Strucker, but they go through the usual routines of bicker, fight, and flee, then repeat. All this is toward thwarting a most generic villain, who we are told is “brutal”, but who mainly towers over Johnson while yelling orders to a platoon of extras who may have wandered off the set of the next Mad Max movie. Sure the CGI beasties are much better than those in the 95 original, but they often seem to have little real “weight” with the manic mandrills bouncing from one rope bridge to another with little impact. Although, big kudos for somehow making the ostriches intimidating. Still, youngsters will get a kick out of Johnson’s cartoon heroics as he slaps the baddies into solid walls (is he part Kryptonian), and at the slapstick antics of Hart and Black, but those a bit older may be tempted to check the time (it could use a good 15 minute trim). At least with the two Dannys, JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL often rises slightly above the level of the usual sequel. Now turn off that game and go outside and play, you kids!

2 Out of 4

RICHARD JEWELL – Review

Sneaking in before the end of the year, nearly buried in the glut of award-contenders based on or inspired by true events, comes an intimate profile that’s also a cautionary fable that’s still relevant to today. Perhaps with the advent of social media, it hits home now more than in the late 1990s. Yes, unlike those films based on very recent headlines, like BOMBSHELL, DARK WATERS, THE TWO POPES, and THE REPORT, this one rolls back the clock more than two decades (as opposed to the century plus of 1917). But it also evokes the themes of classic fiction thrillers with a man (or in this case a trio) facing impossible odds in order to clear his name and prove his innocence ala THE FUGITIVE of TV and film. But, this is very real, dominating the news media for many days. And the very unlikely hero at the center of it all was the man named RICHARD JEWELL.


When we meet Richard (Paul Walter Hauser), he’s a derided supply manager of a legal office. His only “work friend” is lawyer Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell). During a game of Galaga at the nearby arcade, Richard tells him that he’s leaving to pursue his dream job in law enforcement. The route leads him to a short time as a security officer at a local college. An altercation at the dorm leads to his dismissal, but Richard has a goal to work at the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. He’s happy to leave the apartment he shares with his mama Bobi (Kathy Bates) and trek downtown to work as a private security staffer at Centennial Park for the free outdoor concerts. Less happy to be there is FBI agent Tom Shaw (Jon Hamm) and ambitious newspaper reporter Kathy Scruggs (Olivia Wilde), as each considers this a dull assignment. During the show, Richard accosts a group of teens tossing empty beer bottles at the side of an audio/video control tower. But as they leave, something under a nearby bench catches his eye, an abandoned backpack. After much persuading and pleading, Richard’s bosses finally bring in the bomb squad. Meanwhile, threatening calls warning of a device come in to the FBI and police switchboards. Richard’s suspicions prove true, chaos ensues, and two lives are lost. In the next couple of days, he’s hailed as a hero whose prompt actions may have saved many. But the pressure is on to find the real culprit, quickly. Thinking she can get a scoop, Kathy uses her…uh…journalistic skills to squeeze a scoop out of Agent Shaw: they are looking at Jewell as the bomber. Wanting to be first with the story, her bosses splash Richard’s face over the front page of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. As the media begins to hound him while the feds question him in, he calls the only lawyer he knows, Watson, who now has his own small firm. But can these two “little guys” get the truth out there as Richard’s reputation goes from media darling to evil murdering mastermind?

A great deal of the film’s strength comes from the superb casting, particularly in the title role. Rather than going for a big or medium name actor (Jonah Hill is an executive producer, in part because of his early interest in starring), they’ve wisely recruited Hauser, who made an impact a couple of years ago as the self-proclaimed “intelligence consultant” in I, TONYA. Here, minus that character’s clueless bravado, Hauser immerses himself in the complexities of Jewell’s personality. We sympathize with him over his obsessive desire to “serve the public”, but he frustrates us with his allegiance to those who would take advantage, making us squirm until Bryant snaps him out of her subservient stupor. This makes the powerfull last act, when he finally, as Bryant says pleads, he “gets mad”. For many, his strutting, socially awkward persona makes him the butt of derision ala Paul Blart or closer to Seth Rogen in OBSERVE AND REPORT, but Hauser imbues him with quiet dignity, going from easy caricature to rounded (yes, he is “husky”) human being. This is a remarkable performance.

Happily, Hauser has some great “back up” from several screen vets. Rockwell brings some great motor-mouthed energy in the role of Jewell’s pal and defender, who knows that he’s playing David to the law and media Goliath twins. At times he seems to be acting as Jewell’s “big brother” who, like Captain America, doesn’t like bullies. But he’s gotta’ be tough with his client, playing the “bad cop” to Bates as mother Bobi as “good cop”. Actually “adoring, loyal cop” may be more like it. Similar to Hauser, she brings dignity to this simple, soft-spoken lady who wants to protect her only son, perhaps close to a “mama grizzly”. Hamm truly makes a compelling villain as the swaggering, arrogant Shaw. He’s the “idol cop” that Jewell seems to dream of being, but he’s closer to a mean-spirited jock who’s trying to pin something on a kid he stuff into lockers. He’s Don Draper with a badge and less booze. But like that iconic TV role, he likes the ladies a bit too much, which brings in the fabulous Wilde as the temptress who may cause his (and Richard’s) downfall. Her Kathy sees the future of print media (newspapers appeared to have no serious rival in 96′) and doesn’t care about climbing over her co-workers (especially the other women who see right through her). Ms. Wilde proved herself a gifted director this year with BOOKSMART, but let’s hope she continues in front of the camera with spirited work like this.

The real Richard Jewell

Speaking of actor/directors, this film is yet another triumph from one of the most prolific ones, Clint Eastwood. Really, it’s his most compelling since AMERICAN SNIPER. He has tackled tales of the wrongly accused before, in the underrated CHANGELING, TRUE CRIME, and even SULLY, but here his subject allows him to comment on being tried by the media. Reporters and camera crew swarm around the entrance to the apartment complex of the Jewells, acting like piranhas circling prey, crushing anyone trying to plow through while pelting them with a Gatling gun of questions, “Where were you?” “Didya’ do it?” “Make a statement!”. These paparazzi are closer to vultures picking at the flesh of a wounded animal. Eastwood is also skilled in turning the drabbest surroundings into a grim cage, particularly the Jewell living room when he’s told to repeat a threat into the phone. The same can be said of the film’s most suspenseful sequence, when Eastwood turns the festive park concert into a nail-biting, edge of your seat thrill ride, reminding us of Hitchcock’s theories of building tension for an audience (we know it’s gonna’ happen, but not when). It helps that he’s working from a terrific script by Billy Ray based on Marie Brenner’s magazine article. There’s great location work at the actual spots (I could almost feel the humidity) and Eastwood’s expert guidance of his gifted cast. All of them combine to make RICHARD JEWELL one of the year’s most engaging and provocative films.

3.5 Out of 4

Win Free Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of LITTLE WOMEN

Writer-director Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) has crafted a Little Women that draws on both the classic novel and the writings of Louisa May Alcott, and unfolds as the author’s alter ego, Jo March, reflects back and forth on her fictional life. In Gerwig’s take, the beloved story of the March sisters – four young women each determined to live life on her own terms — is both timeless and timely. Portraying Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth March, the film stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson Nude, Florence Pugh Naked, Eliza Scanlen, with Timothée Chalamet as their neighbor Laurie, Laura Dern as Marmee, and Meryl Streep as Aunt March.

Directed by Greta Gerwig. Screenplay by Greta Gerwig. Based on the Novel by Louisa May Alcott. Produced by Amy Pascal, Denise Di Novi and Robin Swicord. Executive Producers are Adam Merims, Evelyn O’Neill, Rachel O’Connor and Arnon Milchan. The film stars Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet, Tracy Letts, Bob Odenkirk, James Norton, Louis Garrel, with Chris Cooper and Meryl Streep.

The film will be released in theaters nationwide on December 25, 2019.

Enter for your chance to win two free passes to the St. Louis advance screening of LITTLE WOMEN. The theatrical sneak preview will be on December 16 at 7pm.

Answer the following: Alcott wrote two sequels to her popular work, both of which also featured the March sisters. Name these two books.

Leave your name, answer and email address in our comments section below.

This film is rated PG by the MPAA for thematic elements and brief smoking.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

https://www.littlewomen.movie/

CONCORD, MA – DECEMBER 04: Saoirse Ronan, Laura Dern, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlan attend the ‘Little Women” Orchard House photo call at the Louisa May Alcott Orchard House on December 4, 2019 in Concord, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images for Sony Pictures Entertainment)
CONCORD, MA – DECEMBER 04: Amy Pascal, Timothee Chalamet, Saoirse Ronan, Greta Gerwig, Laura Dern, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlan and Chris Cooper attend the ‘Little Women” Orchard House photo call at the Louisa May Alcott Orchard House on December 4, 2019 in Concord, Massachusetts. (Photo by Paul Marotta/Getty Images for Sony Pictures Entertainment)

ACCELERATION Starring Dolph Lundgren and Natalie Burn Available on Blu-ray and DVD December 17th

ACCELERATION, Starring Dolph Lundgren and Natalie Burn will be available on Blu-ray and DVD December 17th

Vladik Zorich (Dolph Lundgren), a villainous crime lord, is double-crossed by his most trusted operative Rhona (Natalie Burn). Vladik’s propensity for power, control, and violence drives him to kidnap Rhona’s son forcing her to participate in a twisted plan to eliminate one of Vladik’s enemies. To keep her on a short leash, Vladik sets out the ‘rules’ to his ‘game’ and overseas Rhona’s every move as she navigates the darkened streets of Los Angeles. As her son’s life hangs in the balance, Rhona struggles to eliminate the most violent and depraved delinquents, however, Vladik underestimates the power of a mother’s love and finds himself losing control as his devious plan.

Win A Family Four-Pack Of Free Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of SPIES IN DISGUISE This Saturday

Super spy Lance Sterling and scientist Walter Beckett are almost exact opposites. Lance is smooth, suave and debonair. Walter is not. But what Walter lacks in social skills he makes up for in smarts and invention, creating the awesome gadgets Lance uses on his epic missions. But when events take an unexpected turn, Walter and Lance suddenly have to rely on each other in a whole new way. And if this odd couple can’t learn to work as a team, the whole world is in peril.

Stars Will Smith, Tom Holland, Ben Mendelsohn, Karen Gillan, Rashida Jones, DJ Khaled, Masi Oka.

SPIES IN DISGUISE opens in St. Louis on December 25th

Enter for your chance to win FOUR free passes to the St. Louis advance screening of SPIES IN DISGUISE. The theatrical sneak preview will be on Saturday, December 14th at 10:30 am.

Leave your name and email address in our comments section below.

RATING: This film is rated PG.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

https://family.foxmovies.com/movies/spies-in-disguise

ONCE UPON A TIME…IN HOLLYWOOD Available on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD December 10th With 20 Minutes of Additional Scenes

Academy Award winner[1] Leonardo DiCaprio and Academy Award nominee[2] Brad Pitt give “explosively funny and emotionally complex performances”[3] as actor Rick Dalton and his longtime friend and stuntman Cliff Booth, alongside Academy Award nominee[4]  Margot Robbie as Sharon Tate in the blockbuster ninth film from writer and director Quentin Tarantino, ONCE UPON A TIME…IN HOLLYWOOD, coming to digital on November 22 and 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™ and DVD December 10.

Also arriving December 10 is a limited 4K Ultra HD Collector’s Edition of the film, sure to make any Tarantino fan’s holiday wish list. Premium collectible packaging will contain a 7” vinyl record with two of the soundtrack’s grooviest tunes (complete with turntable adapter), a collectible vintage poster for the Rick Dalton film Operazione Dyn-o-mite! and an exclusive new MAD Magazine parody of the Rick Dalton TV series “Bounty Law,” Lousy Law. The collector’s edition is available for pre-order today from Amazon.com, Walmart.com, BestBuy.com and Target.com.

The 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and digital releases come loaded with even more sights and sounds of the ‘60s, featuring over twenty additional minutes of footage that delves deeper into world of Rick Dalton’s Hollywood. The 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and digital include an additional behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production design, cinematography, costume design, cars and more.

Collectors will also be delighted by exclusive packaging and gifts-with-purchase offered at retail for the film’s Blu-ray release. These include “Rick Dalton” movie poster cards available at Walmart, a vintage-style film magazine with over 26 never-before-seen production photos available at Target and a collectible steelbook available at Best Buy. All exclusive offerings are available for pre-order today.

Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time…in Hollywoodvisits 1969 Los Angeles, where everything is changing, as TV star Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Pitt) make their way around an industry they hardly recognize anymore. The ninth film from the writer-director features “one of the greatest casts of all time”[5]—including Robbie, Julia Butters, Margaret Qualley, Timothy Olyphant, Luke Perry, Austin Butler, Dakota Fanning, Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern and Al Pacino—and multiple storylines in a tribute to the final moments of Hollywood’s golden age.

Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood has proven to be a favorite of fans and critics alike. The film earned Tarantino the highest-grossing box office opening of his career, and it has been Certified Fresh by RottenTomatoes.com. Cinemablend’s Sean O’Connell calls Leonardo DiCaprio’s turn as Rick Dalton “the best performance of his career,” while TIME’s Stephanie Zacharek says, “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood ranks among Quentin Tarantino’s finest.” Pete Hammond of DEADLINE writes, “The best movies surprise us, move us, make us think and entertain all at the same time. This one does all of that.”

Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood has a runtime of approximately 161 minutes and is rated R for language throughout, some strong graphic violence, drug use and sexual references.

4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAY AND DIGITAL BONUS MATERIALS

  • Over Twenty Minutes of Additional Scenes
  • Five exclusive behind the scenes pieces including:
    • Quentin Tarantino’s Love Letter to Hollywood
    • Bob Richardson – For the Love of Film
    • Shop Talk – The Cars of 1969
    • Restoring Hollywood – The Production Design of Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
    • The Fashion of 1969

DVD BONUS MATERIALS

  • Over Twenty Minutes of Additional Scenes

CAST AND CREW

Writer and Director: Quentin Tarantino

Producers: David Heyman, Shannon McIntosh, Quentin Tarantino

Executive Producers: Georgia Kacandes, Yu Dong, Jeffrey Chan

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant), Brad Pitt (Ad Astra), Margot Robbie (I, Tonya), Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild), Margaret Qualley (TV’s “Fosse/Verdon”), Timothy Olyphant (TV’s “Justified”), Austin Butler (TV’s “The Shannara Chronicles”), Dakota Fanning (TV’s “The Alienist”), Bruce Dern (The Hateful Eight) and Al Pacino (The Irishman)


THE GALLOWS ACT II Coming to Blu-ray and Digital December 24th

A supernatural thriller summoning the darkest evil through a viral challenge, The Gallows Act II, arrives on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital) and DVD December 24 from Lionsgate. This film is currently available on Digital and On Demand. 

Joining iconic horror films like Get Out, Happy Death Day, and The Purge, Blumhouse’s The Gallows Act II is a sequel to 2015’s The Gallows, with both films written and directed by Chris Lofing and Travis Cluff. The Gallows Act II Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD include an audio commentary with the filmmakers, a never-before-seen making-of featurette, and deleted scenes, and will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.


OFFICIAL SYNOPSISWhen teenage vlogger and aspiring actress Auna Rue logs onto a sinister website, she’s trapped in the malevolent world of a cursed stage play, The Gallows. After performing a passage from the play for her tiny online fan base, Auna instantly achieves the stardom she seeks — as well as a twisted challenge from a deadly spirit (The Hangman) in this nightmarish supernatural thriller from the company that brought you Paranormal Activity and Insidious.

BLU-RAY / DVD / DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES

  • Audio Commentary with Writers and Directors Travis Cluff & Chris Lofing
  • “Summoning the Hangman: Staging The Gallows Act II” Featurette
  • Deleted Scenes

From the company that produced Paranormal Activity and Insidious comes the supernatural thriller THE GALLOWS ACT II, a sequel to The Gallows featuring new characters and a new setting opening in select theaters and On Demand Friday, October 25 from Lionsgate. 

ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD Leads The St. Louis Film Critics Association 2019 Awards Nominations

Quentin Tarantino’s 1969 period piece “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” earned 10 nominations, followed by Martin Scorsese’s epic gangster film “The Irishman” and Noah Baumbach’s intimate portrait of divorce “Marriage Story” with nine nominations apiece to lead the St. Louis Film Critics Association’s annual year-end recognition.

Nominations in 22 categories were announced Dec. 8. The awards results will be announced Sunday, Dec. 16.

Tarantino’s sprawling homage to a golden age of movies and television garnered nominations for picture, director, screenplay, supporting actor and actress, production design, cinematography, editing, music soundtrack and scene.

“The Irishman,” which chronicles mobster activity through four decades, garnered nominations for picture, director, two supporting actors, screenplay, cinematography, editing, production design and visual effects.

Baumbach’s realistic look at a break-up drew nominations for picture, actor, actress, supporting actress, screenplay, editing, music score and two scenes.

Both Scarlett Johansson and Margot Robbie received two nominations each, with Johansson singled out for “JoJo Rabbit” and “Marriage Story,” and Robbie for both “Bombshell” and “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood.”

Other films garnering multiple nominations included “1917” (8), “Parasite” (5), “JoJo Rabbit” (5), “Little Women” (5), “The Two Popes” (4), “Dolemite Is My Name” (4), “Joker” (3), “Avengers: Endgame” (3), “Ad Astra” (2), “Alita: Battle Angel” (2), “Bombshell” (2), “Booksmart” (2), “Frozen 2” (2), “How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World” (2), “The Lighthouse” (2), “Waves” (2) and “Yesterday” (2).

Eligible films include those that opened in St. Louis during the 2019 calendar year. A film, slated for a January 2020 release in St. Louis, is considered eligible if a screening/screener/screening link is made available to all members.

For more information, visit the website, www.stlfilmcritics.org, follow us on Twitter (@stlfilmcritics) and “Like” our Facebook page.

Here is a complete list of the nominations:

BEST FILM

1917
Dolemite Is My Name
The Irishman
JoJo Rabbit
Little Women
A Long Day’s Journey into Night
Marriage Story
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
The Two Popes
Waves

BEST DIRECTOR

Boon Jong-Ho “Parasite”
Sam Mendes “1917”
Martin Scorsese “The Irishman”
Quentin Tarantino “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”
Taika Waititi “JoJo Rabbit”

BEST ACTOR

Adam Driver “Marriage Story”
Eddie Murphy “Dolemite Is My Name”
Joaquin Phoenix “Joker”
Jonathan Pryce “The Two Popes”
Adam Sandler “Uncut Gems”

BEST ACTRESS

Cynthia Erivo “Harriet”
Scarlett Johansson “Marriage Story”
Saoirse Ronan “Little Women”
Charlize Theron “Bombshell”
Renee Zellweger “Judy”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Brad Pitt “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”
Anthony Hopkins “The Two Popes”
Al Pacino “The Irishman”
Joe Pesci “The Irishman”
Wesley Snipes “Dolemite Is My Name”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Annette Bening “The Report”
Laura Dern in “Marriage Story”
Scarlett Johansson “JoJo Rabbit”
Florence Pugh “Little Women”
Margot Robbie “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” and “Bombshell”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Noah Baumbach “Marriage Story”
Boon Jong-Ho “Parasite”
Emily Halpern, Sarah Haskins, Susanna Fogel and Katie Silberman “Booksmart”
Quentin Tarantino “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”
Lena Waithe “Queen and Slim”

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Anthony McCarten “The Two Popes”
Todd Phillips and Scott Silver “Joker”
Taika Waititi “JoJo Rabbit”
Greta Gerwig “Little Women”
Steven Zaillian “The Irishman”

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
“1917” – Roger Deakins
“The Irishman” – Rodrigo Preto
“Joker” – Lawrence Sher
“The Lighthouse” – Jarin Blaschke
“Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” – Robert Richardson

BEST EDITING
Boon Jong-Ho “Parasite”
Jennifer Lame “Marriage Story”
Fred Raskin “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”
Thelma Schoonmaker “The Irishman”
Lee Smith “1917”


BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
1917
The Irishman
Little Women
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
Parasite

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
1917
Ad Astra
Alita: Battle Angel
Avengers: Endgame
The Irishman

BEST MUSIC SCORE
1917 – Thomas Newman
Ad Astra – Max Richter
Avengers: Endgame – Alan Silvestri
How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World – John Powell
Marriage Story – Randy Newman

BEST SOUNDTRACK
Frozen 2
Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood
Rocketman
Waves
Yesterday

BEST ACTION FILM
1917
Alita: Battle Angel
Avengers: Endgame
Captain Marvel
John Wicks 3: Parabellum


ANIMATED FEATURE
How to Train Your Dragon: Hidden World
Frozen 2
Klaus
The Missing Link
Toy Story 4

BEST DOCUMENTARY
Apollo 11
The Biggest Little Farm
Honeyland
Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice
Where’s My Roy Cohn?

BEST HORROR FILM
The Lighthouse
Midsommar
Parasite
Ready or Not
Us

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE (FOREIGN FILM)
By the Grace of God
A Long Day’s Journey into Night
Non-Fiction
Pain and Glory
Parasite

BEST SCENE
Avengers Assemble in “Endgame”
Charlie and Nicole fight in apartment in “Marriage Story”
Charlie sings “Being Alive” at a bar with his theater friends in “Marriage Story”
Cliff Booth visits Spahn Ranch in “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood”
Jack visits remote cottage in “Yesterday”

Win Free Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of RICHARD JEWELL

Directed by Clint Eastwood and based on true events, “Richard Jewell” is a story of whathappens when what is reported as fact obscures the truth.

“There is a bomb in Centennial Park. You have thirty minutes.”

The world is first introduced to Richard Jewell as the security guard who reports finding the device at the 1996 Atlanta bombing—his report making him a hero whose swift actions save countless lives. But within days, the law enforcement wannabe becomes the FBI’s number one suspect, vilified by press and public alike, his life ripped apart. Reaching out to independent, anti-establishment attorney Watson Bryant, Jewell staunchly professes his innocence. But Bryant finds he is out of his depth as he fights the combined powers of the FBI, GBI and APD to clear his client’s name, while keeping Richard from trusting the very people trying to destroy him.

The film stars Sam Rockwell (“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”) as Watson Bryant and Kathy Bates (“Misery,” TV’s “American Horror Story”) as Richard’s mom, Bobi; Jon Hamm (“Baby Driver”) as the lead FBI investigator; Olivia Wilde (“Life Itself”) as Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Kathy Scruggs; and Paul Walter Hauser (“I, Tonya”) stars as Richard Jewell.

Opens on December 13.

Enter for your chance to win two free passes to the St. Louis advance screening of RICHARD JEWELL. The theatrical sneak preview will be on December 11 at 7pm.

Leave your name and email address in our comments section below.

RATING: This film is rated R.  

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: www.RichardJewellMovie.com